A historic winter storm that slammed into Texas earlier this week left an icy mark across the Gulf Coast, delivering record-breaking snowfall to New Orleans and bringing freezing rain, sleet, and snow to parts of Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas. This rare weather event stunned communities more familiar with sunshine than snow.
In New Orleans, snow piled up to 10 inches in some areas, shattering the city’s decades-old record of 2.7 inches set in 1963. The National Weather Service called it a “historic snowfall,” and the city turned into a winter wonderland overnight. Residents took full advantage, sledding down the levees of the Mississippi River, engaging in snowball fights, and even trying urban skiing on Bourbon Street.
Snowball Fights and Snow Angels
The snow brought out creativity and fun among locals. In Gulf Shores, Alabama, residents had a snowball fight on the beach, while in Montgomery, Alabama, children went sledding using laundry baskets. Social media was buzzing with videos of snowboarders shredding through snowy streets and a priest and nuns engaging in a playful snowball fight in suburban New Orleans.
“We’ve had tons of hurricane days, but never a snow day,” said David Delio, a high school teacher who sledded with his daughters using a yoga mat and boogie board. Even Florida, the Sunshine State, mobilized snowplows as parts of the Panhandle saw accumulating snow and freezing rain.
Flights Halted and Schools Closed
The winter storm disrupted travel and daily life across the region. Jacksonville, Florida, shut down its international airport on Tuesday evening, with plans to reopen by noon Wednesday. Schools and government offices were closed in several cities as officials urged residents to stay home.
“The safest place you can be is at home,” the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office advised in a social media post.
Highways became impassable, and over 2,300 flights were canceled across the U.S. on Tuesday. Houston’s airports suspended operations entirely, while New Orleans Louis Armstrong International Airport saw nearly every flight grounded. Snowplows were deployed in unexpected places, including Texas and Florida, where such equipment is rarely used.
Southern States Declare Emergencies
Governors in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, and Florida declared states of emergency ahead of the storm, preparing their states for the rare weather event. Schools and businesses shut down, and residents scrambled to adjust to the wintry conditions. In Texas, where temperatures plunged well below freezing, two fatalities were reported in Austin due to exposure to the cold. Georgia reported one death from hypothermia.
Snow Days and Fun Memories
For many Southerners, the rare snowfall created unforgettable moments. Mobile, Alabama, saw 5.4 inches of snow, breaking its one-day snowfall record of 5 inches set in 1881. Families and friends gathered to enjoy activities more commonly associated with northern winters, like making snow angels and sledding.
In New Orleans, a group of nuns and a priest at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic School shared their snow day joy with a playful snowball fight, capturing the hearts of thousands online. “It’s a fun way to show that priests and sisters are humans, too, and they can have fun,” said the Rev. Tim Hedrick.
Blizzard-like conditions and Frigid Temperatures
As the storm moved eastward, it brought drifting snow and near-blizzard conditions to parts of North Carolina, especially in the Outer Banks, where up to 8 inches of snow was expected. Dangerous temperatures were forecast to linger for much of the week, with subzero wind chills gripping large portions of the Midwest and South.
Widespread Impact and Northern Snowfall
The storm’s reach extended beyond the South. In New York, a state of emergency was declared for counties near Lake Ontario and Lake Erie, where up to 2 feet of lake-effect snow was expected. Meanwhile, the Southeast faced power outages, icy roads, and disrupted routines as the rare storm persisted.
Santa Ana Winds Add to Weather Woes in California
While the South battled snow, Southern California faced dry conditions and strong Santa Ana winds, raising concerns about wildfire risks. The state has already experienced devastating blazes in recent months, with thousands of homes destroyed and at least 27 lives lost.
This extraordinary storm left a lasting impression on the Gulf Coast and beyond as residents embraced the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience snow in the South. From record-setting snowfalls to joyful moments in the winter weather, this storm showcased the resilience and creativity of communities unaccustomed to such icy conditions.
